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A year after winning the 3A state cross-country championship with a time of 16 minutes, 3 seconds, Hillsboro High School sophomore Emily Sechrist cut her time on the same course by 28 seconds Saturday at Rim Rock Farm outside Lawrence.

But the improvement wasn’t enough to repeat as state cross-country champion. Sechrist finished at 15:35, behind sophomore Jordan Puvogel of Hiawatha, who finished in 15:30. Hiawatha was reclassified from 4A to 3A this year.

After the race, Sechrist focused more on her improved time than her placement.

“I really can’t be disappointed,” she said.

“Emily gave a tremendous effort and ran great,” coach Stuart Holmes said. “Her dedication and commitment to running have been outstanding again this year.”

Sechrist said plans to keep working to be the best runner she can be.

“My goal is to keep running and doing my best, and if God wants me to keep running, that’s what I’ll do,” she said.